Bison finish season as Bi-District Champs

Ryan Read launches a three-pointer. Van’Go’photo BI-DISTRICT

Delayed by a day due to the winter storm, the Bison began their playoff run on Wednesday, February 24, facing the Newton Eagles. The Angelina College Gymnasium was awash in puple -- the color of both teams. Buffalo brought a good crowd of Bison supporters and they were NOT disappointed, as BHS pulled of a solid win to advance to the area round.

The Bison controlled the tip-off, scored first in the opening quarter, and led 11-5 going into the second. With Micah Burnside-Jones and Jordan Canady blocking some Eagles' shots, BHS added a seven-point run in the second quarter and led 18-11 at halftime. Canady controlled the boards in the third period and A.B. Bell led the offensive effort, until a collision with another player resulted in a cut above his eye. Bell did not return to the game and his injury would require six stitches. Saxton Sims anchored the Bison in the final quarter as they cemented their advantage, taking a 14-point lead with several minutes left in the game. Coach Warren Ringland gave his second unit some playing time and rested his starters late in the game, knowing that they would be back in action just two days later. Buffalo took the win, 50-40.

RIGHT: Micah Burnside-Jones posts up over the objection of a Newton defender. Van’Go’photo BHS' scoring was very balanced and three Bison were in double figures. Sims and Burnside-Jones each finished with a double-double: 11 points and 10 rebounds apiece. Canady scored 10 and pulled down 8 boards. Ryan Read knocked down a trio of outside shots for 9 points. Cain Hayes came off the bench to add 4 points late in the game.

AREA CHAMPIONSHIP

Wednesday's win sent the Bison back to Lufkin on Friday for a shot at the Area title. Their opponent was the Kountze Lions,, a district champion who had a bye in the first round of playoffs. KHS' Lions have been averaging almost 100 points per game and regularly outdistancing opponents by 50 points or more. With strong shooting, an aggressive offense, relentless defense and a deep bench, the Lions proved to be very deserving of their high state ranking. In a game peppered with steals, threepointers and dunks, they defeated the Bison 103-40.

Senior Jordan Canady goes hard to the basket with an Eagle defender in his face. Van’Go’photo In their final game in purple and gold, seniors Bell and Canady led the Bison with 11 each. Burnside-Jones scored 7 and led the Bison in rebounds with 10. Sims scored 4 and pulled down 8 rebounds. Read knocked down a three-pointer, Creagor Elsom dropped in a bucket and Tate Hartley added two free-throws.

Buffalo finished the 2008-09 season with a winning record of 18-15 and were 10-4 in District 21-AA.